approved helmet, clothing and footgear suited to motorcycle
riding. Bright or light colors are best for greater visibility in traffic
especially at night. Avoid loose flowing garments and scarves. The
exhaust pipes and mufflers get very hot when the engine is
running and remain too hot to touch for some time after the engine
is shut off. Wear clothing that will completely cover the legs when
riding and avoid contact with the exhaust system. Do not allow
others, under any circumstances to operate your motorcycle
unless you are certain that they are experienced, licensed riders
and are familiar with the operation of your particular motorcycle.
When leaving the motorcycle unattended, remove ignition key
from switch. Protect your motorcycle against theft. Safe
motorcycle operation requires mental awareness and good
judgment combined with a defensive driving attitude. Don't allow
fatigue, alcohol or drugs to endanger your safety or the safety of
others. Maintain your motorcycle in proper operating condition in
accordance with the Maintenance Summary Schedules in this
Owner's Manual. Particularly important to motorcycle stability is
the tire inflation pressure, tread condition, and proper adjustment
of wheel bearings and steering head bearings. Do not operate
motorcycle with loose, worn or damaged steering system or front
or rear suspension system as handling will be adversely affected.
Contact your dealer for repair of steering or suspension system
wear or damage. Do not tow a trailer. At street intersections, give
the right-of-way to the vehicle on your right. Do not presume too
much when you have the right-of-way, the other driver may not
know you have it. Always signal when preparing to stop or turn. All
traffic signs, including those used for the control of traffic at
intersections, should be obeyed promptly and to the letter. SLOW
DOWN signs near schools and CAUTION signs at railroad
crossings should always be observed and your actions governed
accordingly. Never anticipate a traffic light. When a change is
indicated from GO to STOP (or vice versa) in the traffic control
systems at intersections, await the change. When intending to turn
to the left, give signal at least 100 feet before reaching the turning
point. Move over to the centerline of the street (unless local rules
require otherwise), slow down passing the intersection of the
street and then turn carefully to the left. In turning either right or
left, watch for pedestrians as well as vehicles. Do not leave the
curb or parking area without signaling and seeing that your way is
clear to drive into moving traffic. A moving line of traffic has the
right-of-way. See that your license tags are installed in the position
specified by law and that they are clearly visible under all
conditions. Keep them clean. Ride at a safe speed — a speed
consistent with the type of highway you are on, and always note
whether the road is dry, oily, icy or wet. Each varying condition on
the highway means adjusting your speed accordingly.
